At this year’s Pacific Marine Expo (PME), the highly anticipated State of the Blue Annual Gathering provided an in-depth look at the innovative initiatives that are helping shape the future of the Blue Economy in Washington.

The event covered major updates on sustainable maritime fuels, workforce development, the Quiet Sound program, green technologies, and the development of fast ferries. Gov. Jay Inslee, a staunch advocate for green maritime technologies, shared that the state continues to take charge of creating a sustainable, world-class maritime industry.

Gov. Inslee opened his speech with a message that underscored Washington's ongoing commitment to environmental and economic leadership in the maritime industry. He spoke about the state’s growing efforts to attract and foster innovation, noting, "This is a family issue. My great-grandfather came out here to fish from Missouri and built a boat on a beach of Lopez Island.” He also mentioned folks who are building manufacturers and how the first battery manufacturers were right here in this region. He highlighted the momentum in the Pacific Northwest as Washington becomes a hub for green technologies and the sustainable maritime solutions of tomorrow. “Now, to see families having great careers on the water is truly thrilling to me.”

The State of the Blue gathering also explored workforce development, an essential component in ensuring the continued success of the maritime sector. As Gov. Inslee shared, "I remember talking to a young guy that just moved to the state, he said, ‘This is like Christmas in July for me, and now I see a career in water for the rest of my life as I work my way up.’" His story reflects the enthusiasm and growth in the workforce within maritime professions, with young professionals excited to participate in the industry’s transformation. Gov. Inslee expressed his pride in seeing families having great careers and how the maritime industry provides long-term opportunities for local communities.

The event also addressed key environmental initiatives, including the state’s efforts to reduce ocean acidification and protect marine life. “We are moving forward on sustainable maritime fuels,” said Inslee, referring to the $1 billion investment in hydrogen technologies and the future of sustainable maritime fuels. The state feels the focus on green solutions is crucial as the maritime industry faces the challenges of climate change. Inslee emphasized the importance of mitigating ocean acidification and protecting ecosystems.

In addition to addressing pressing environmental concerns, the gathering also focused on technological innovations in the maritime industry. One exciting development discussed was Washington’s role in pioneering electric vessels. As Gov. Inslee noted, “We’re ahead of the curve to create a supply chain that doesn’t have to wait for Washington,” pointing to the state’s leadership in electric and hydrogen-powered maritime vessels. He also shared his excitement about the first electric boat built in Bellingham, which continues to operate on the West Coast. “We are leading the world in the transition to a green economy on the blue water,” said Gov. Inslee.

Throughout, Joshua Berger offered valuable insights into how the maritime industry adapts to new technologies and sustainable practices. The challenges were acknowledged, but Berger and Gov. Inslee remained optimistic about the future.

“It feels a little bit emotional after 10 years of work and sort of opportunities that we've had together as an entire sector and has the amount of leadership that we've had here in the region to envision and to grow decisions that we share and continue to build and grow together. It's pretty remarkable,” Berger stated. The industry’s ongoing progress and collaborative spirit within the maritime region were recognized.